Unraveling Second Language Acquisition Hurdles: A Qualitative Exploration Among University Students in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
Abstract
Language learning is a multifaceted process that implies a range of internal and external learner-based dimensions. Although numerous empirical studies have been conducted to acquire knowledge on second language acquisition, one of the neglected areas involves the identification of socio-cultural barriers in Pakistani people. The current research proposal was intended to fill this gap by conducting a qualitative study analyzing the issues of second language learners in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. In the present investigation, we analyze the hurdles university students in Rawalpindi and Islamabad encounter while attempting to acquire Second language acquisition, especially in the English language. To get a better depiction of the situation, we have compiled information through structured interviews with university students of BS. Students face certain problems like pronunciation, a lack of motivation, and resources that may hinder the process of learning English. Furthermore, the influence of students’ mother tongue on their English acquisition is quite significant. In addition, we analyzed several teaching methods used in the literature as well as their impact. However, motivation also significantly affects the result, so we explore the relationship between motivation to acquire English and students’ progress. Fortunately, there is also some good news. Moreover, we found efficient ways that might help students tackle these problems including peer practice and using multimedia. In conclusion, our study suggests that it might be difficult for university students in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to become proficient in English. However, with the proper support and methods, students can undoubtedly improve their English abilities.
References
Abbas, S. (1998). Sociopolitical Dimensions in Language: English in Context in Pakistan. Journal of Applied Language Studies, 23, 42.
Alderson, J.C. (2004). Foreword. In: Cheng, L., Watanabe, Y. & Curtis, A., Eds., Washback in Language Testing: Research Contexts and Methods, Lawrence Erlbaum, London, ix-xii.
Celce-Murcia, M. (2001). Teaching English as a Second or foreign Language. 3rd Edition, Heinle & Heinle Publisher, Boston.
Chomsky, N. (1965). Aspects of the Theory of Syntax. MIT Press, Mass, 5-6.
Coleman, J. A. (2007). English-Medium Teaching in European Higher Education. Language Teaching, 39:1-14.
Cummins, J. (1984). Bilingualism in Education: Aspects of Theory. Research and Practice. Longman, London.
Demircan, Ö. (1988). DündenbugüneTürkiye’deyabancıdil [Foreign Languages in Turkey: From Past to Today]. Remzi Kitabevi, İstanbul.
Foddy, W.H. (1994). Constructing Questions for Interviews and Questionnaires: Theory and Practice in Social Research. New Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
Foertsch (1998). Second Language Learning. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, Learning Point Associates.
Gass, S.M. & Schachter, J. (Eds.) (1989). Linguistic Perspectives on Second Language Acquisition. New York: Cambridge University Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139524544
Gibbs, G. & Jenkins, A. (1992). Teaching Large Classes in Higher Education: How to Maintain Quality with Reduced Resources. Kogan Page, London.
Gumperz, J.J. & Dill, A.S. (1971). Language in Social Groups. Stanford University Press, Stanford.
Horwitz, E.K., Horwitz, M.B. & Cope, J.A. (1986). Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety. The Modern Language Journal, 70, 125-132. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1986.tb05256.x
ITS. (n.d.). Tutorial School. Retrieved from http://www.tuition.com.hk/academic/concept.htm
Kannan, R. (2009). Difficulties in Learning English as a Second Language. Vol. 8, ESP World. Retrieved from www.esp-world.info
Krashen, S.D. (1981). Second Language Acquisition and Second Language Learning. Pergamon Press Inc., Oxford.
Lado, R. (1957). Linguistics across Cultures: Applied Linguistics and Language Teachers. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor.
Malik, F.J. (1996). The Teaching of English in Pakistan: A Study in Teacher Education. Vanguard, Lahore.
Mansoor, S. (2003). Language Planning in Higher Education: Issues of Access and Equity. The Lahore Journal of Economics, 8, 19.
Mansoor, S. (2004). The Status and Role of Regional Languages in Higher Education in Pakistan. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 25, 333-353.
Mansoor, S., Zafar, M., Hussain, N., Sikandar, A., Azam, S.I., & Tatari, S.K. (2005). English and Employment in Pakistan. Unpublished Summary Report, Aga Khan University, Centre of English Language, Karachi.
Marshall, C. & Rossman, G.B. (2006). Designing Qualitative Research. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks.
Memon, G.R. (2007). Education in Pakistan: The Key Issues, Problems and the New Challenges. Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 3, 47-55.
NEC (2005). National Education Census 2005 Pakistan. Retrieved from http://www.gilanifoundation.com/homepage/Free_Pub/EDU/NATIONAL_EDUCATION_CENSUS_2005_Pakistan.pdf
Partridge, B. & Starfield, S. (2007). Thesis and Dissertation Writing in Second Language. Routledge, London.
Phillipson, R. (1992). Linguistics Imperialism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Phillipson, R. (2016a). Promoting English: Hydras old and new. In P. Bunce, R. Phillipson, V. Rapatahana, & R. F. Tupas (Eds.), Why English? Confronting the Hydra (pp. 35-46). Bristol: Multilingual Matters.
Purpura, J. (1997). An analysis of the relationships between test takers’ cognitive and metacognitive strategy use and second language test performance. Language Learning, 42(2), 289-325.
Rahman, T. (1997). The Medium of Instruction Controversy in Pakistan. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 18(2), 145-154.
Rahman, T. (2001). English Language Institutions in Pakistan. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 22(3), 242-261.
Rahman, T. (2002). Language, Idealogy and Power. Oxford University Press, Karachi.
Rahman, T. (2006). Language Policy, Multilingualism and Language Vitality in Pakistan. Trends in Linguistics Studies and Monographs, 175, 73.
Rahman, T. (2008). Language Policy and Education in Pakistan. Encyclopedia of Language and Education 2008, Part 1, Part 4, 383-392
Shamim, F. (2008). Trends, Issues and Challenges in English Language Education in Pakistan. Asia Pacific Journal of Education. Retrieved from http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t713724324 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02188790802267324
Taylor, L. (2006). The Changing Landscape of English Implications for Language Assessment. ELT Journal, 60, 51-60.
Xu, Z. (2001). Problems and Strategies of Teaching English in Large Classes in the People’s Republic of China. In: Herrman, A. & Kulski, M.M., Eds., Expending Horizons in Teaching and Learning, Proceedings of the 10th Annual Teaching Learning Forum, 7-9 February 2001, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, 7-9.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Raina Tabbasum (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially.
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
- The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
